What do regular periods mean

However, because the experience can also be caused by a number of other factors, women who suspect that their irregular periods are caused by one of the following should seek a doctor's opinion. Women who want to learn more about irregular periods and how to manage them are advised to talk to their GP for more specific information.

There is no need to suffer in silence as there are various treatments for menstrual irregularities that can greatly relieve this menopause symptom. Lifestyle changes, alternative treatments, and medications can all ease problematic irregular periods. For the majority of women entering the natural menopausal transition, medical attention is not required; however, always consult your doctor if your symptoms become invasive.

Read about how to deal with irregular periods after giving birth and more so that you can go back to living a hormonally balanced, symptom-free life.

Learn more about irregular periods and brown discharge during menopause here, including what you can ultimately do to achieve menstrual cycle health. By Hannah R. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Kaunitz A, et al. Approach to abnormal uterine bleeding in nonpregnant reproductive-age women.

Accessed March 22, Welt C, et al. Evaluation of the menstrual cycle and timing of ovulation. Barrett KE, et al. In: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology.

New York, N. Hammer GD, et al. Disorders of the female reproductive tract. Melmed S, et al. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. We do, however, advise keeping your healthcare practitioner aware of any marked changes in your menstrual cycle and your health.

The rise and fall of hormones. Each of our cycles is unique, as are its effects on our emotions and energy levels. These are the days when your testosterone levels are at their peak. Many women find this increase in testosterone positively affects their sexual desire and enjoyment. Nature is working with a clear purpose in mind — these are also the days just before you release an egg!

You can use this timing if you want to consider natural family planning or contraception options. Another example of how being in-tune with your cycle can benefit your health relates to exercise. Your hormone levels also impact what type of fuel is available for working muscles and consequently what type of workout you may find easier. For example, lower estrogen levels favor the burning of glycogen for quick energy. As a result, some women find that in the portion of their cycle where estrogen is lower typically days 4—11 , high-intensity work-outs are easier, with lower heart rates and breathing rates.

One way to see what works best for you is to keep track of your cycle, as part of your exercise journal. In addition to recording your fitness activity, note how easy or difficult the activity felt for you. You may want to make some adjustments based on what you see!

As you saw above — and may have already been aware! I encourage you to keep this in mind as you make any timing-based decisions about pregnancy, natural family planning, or contraceptive use. You can also use the timing of your cycle to make other informed health decisions. Studies have also shown that getting a mammogram is most accurate if scheduled first week of menstrual cycle.

Other changes such as menstual cycles becoming irregular or shorter, the lining of the womb may become thinner and less able to nuture a fertilised egg may also affect fertility. Despite this biological fact, many women aged over 35 do successfully become pregnant and have a baby.

Other reasons for infertility include any damage to the fallopian tubes, hormonal causes, endometriosis, cervical causes, and uterine and immunological causes. If you have irregular or no periods, there may be hormonal causes preventing you from getting pregnant.

In simple terms, this means that the synchronised changes in your body that allow an egg to be released or fertilised just do not happen, making it difficult for this natural process to occur.